This graphic novel, written from an ex-prisoner's point-of-view, Frank “Big Black” Smith, is a raw and powerful look at the four
days of uprising at the Attica State Prison in upstate NY. The illustrations
are graphic and, at times, horrific. Inhumane treatment of the prisoners,
constant racial slurs, and the views of our government at the time will make
you cringe…and think.
This is a must-read for all teens and adults.
It shows the stark
reality of just how prejudice has affected this country from the top to the
bottom. A great opener to all kinds of discussions that are difficult
but should absolutely be had with your kids.
Publisher Simon and Schuster post on their site: “In the
summer of 1971, the New York’s Attica State Prison is a symbol of everything
broken in America – abused prisoners, rampant racism and a blind eye turned
towards the injustices perpetrated on the powerless. But when the guards at
Attica overreact to a minor incident, the prisoners decide they’ve had enough –
and revolt against their jailers, taking them hostage and making demands for
humane conditions.
READ MORE: The Graphic Novel - Modern Stories in Pictures
Frank “Big Black” Smith finds himself at the center of this
uprising, struggling to protect hostages, prisoners, and negotiators alike. But
when the only avenue for justice seems to be negotiating with ambitious
Governor Nelson Rockefeller, Big Black soon discovers there may be no hope in
finding a peaceful resolution for the prisoners in Attica.”
I read this book from cover to cover in just one sitting.
The story is compelling and truly makes one think about how we treat people who
are different from us today. These men experienced horrific torture at the
hands of police. All they really wanted was to be treated humanely. With
one shower a week, a bar of soap and roll of toilet paper a month, they were
hardly able to live with dignity at all.
With all the political unrest and
social injustice in our country right now, we need to see more books like this.
You can buy this book on Simon and Schuster or Amazon.
Find Big Black: Stand at Attica on Facebook and Twitter
About the authors:
Frank “Big Black” Smith was a prisoner at Attica State
Prison in 1971. He, along with other prisoners, led a rebellion against the
injustices of the prison system which remains one of the bloodiest civil rights
confrontations in American history. After the riots, he became one of the
leading voices in the court case the prisoners brought against the state of New
York.
Jared Reinmuth. has worked as an actor, writer, teacher,
director and songwriter. He began his collaboration with Frank “Big Black”
Smith in 1997 while assisting his step-father, famed Attica attorney Dan
Meyers. In 2017 he paired up with Pearl Battle Smith and artist Ameziane to
create Big Black: Stand at Attica.
Bios from Simon and Schuster website and book